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Trees
Sweet Chestnut
(Castanea)
Summary
| Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|
| Fagales
(Fagales) |
Fagaceae
(Fagaceae) |
Sweet Chestnut
(Castanea) |
Overview
There are around 10 species in the Castanea genus that grow in the northern hemisphere. Of those 10 only 1 grows in the UK - Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa). It is a none native tree that was introduced by the Romans and was known to be eaten by legionnaires and so probably introduced as a food source. "sativa" in the Latin name means it was a cultivated tree.
The seeds, or chestnuts, do not grow particularly large in the UK and do not often produce a significant crop. (The Chestnuts sold in the UK are from the same species, but grown in Europe where the weather is better suited for a better crop)
Sweet Chestnut and more importantly, its seed, has a similar appearance to Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) but they are not related; and should not be confused as the seed of the Sweet Chestnut is edible but that of the Horse Chestnut can be toxic unless correctly prepared.
The wood is hard and durable and often harvested for this property. It is used in fencing, carpentry, turnery, props, etc.
Bushcraft:
Quite widespead and grows in relatively high numbers so a potential good source of food around October time. Assuming there has been a good enough summer for the crop to be of use.
Click below for more information of individual species at Plants For A Future website (PFAF.org)
General Info
| Description | Data | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Deciduous | Flowers in July. Seeds ripe in October/November. |
| Edible | Yes | See below. |
| Uses | Low | See below. |
| Burnability | Medium | The wood splits easily so an ok wood in a stove or such. Requires seasoning. |
| Hardness Rating | 14 | Rough scale of hardness from 0 - 100
(Zero being the softest wood and one hundred being the hardest) |
Gallery and Identification
Features common to majority of species:
Size - Species variation - 35m
Bark - Silvery in colour. Need fissures that rotate up the tree. Less so in younger trees.
Leaves - Glossy, tough leaves. lanceolate and toothed,
Reproductive Parts - Male catkins are long and white and hang downwards. The female flowers form at the base of the catkins, they are green and form into the spikey capsules that contain the seeds (Chestnuts).
Distribution - Found throughout the UK. Grows in its most abundant centrally through England.
Surroundings - Woodland.
Resources
- Firewood - There are better woods but can be used if no alternative.
Food
- Chestnuts - Can be eaten raw but taste a lot better roasted and potentially more nutritional benefit of cooking. They can also be used as a flour if dried, or as a coffee substitute when roasted.